Best Taj Mahal Rice Pilaf Recipes

RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucier over medium heat.
• Stir in the onion, bell pepper and 2 pinches of salt.
• Decrease the heat to low and sweat until the onion is translucent and aromatic but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until you smell nuts, another 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the saffron and its water, the broth, orange zest, bay leaves and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
• OK, now the weird part: Thoroughly wet a clean towel, kill the heat, scatter the peas on top of the rice, then place the towel across the top of the saucier. Top with the lid, then fold the towel corners up over the lid.
• Transfer the saucier (towel and all) to the oven and bake 15 minutes.
• Remove and rest at room temperature for 15 more minutes without opening the lid.
• Fish out the orange zest and bay leaves. Turn the pilaf out onto a platter, fluff with a large fork and garnish with the raisins and pistachios. Serve family-style, right in the middle of the table.

MINTED BASMATI RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Examine the rice for foreign objects, but do not wash.
• Heat the olive oil in the bottom of a heavy casserole until it begins to bubble. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the rice and stir to coat well with oil before adding the bay leaf, salt, pepper and the hot broth. Quickly bring to a boil, place a tight fitting lid on the pot and place into the oven.
• Cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes before removing from the oven. Stir in the butter and the chopped mint and serve.

CHEESY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Gruyere; keep warm, covered.
• When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese sauce, parsley, chives and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.